Hope Chest - My first 'real' woodworking project

Here’s the Hope Chest that I’ve been working on for the last several weeks for my girlfriend. Like the title says, this is the first real woodworking project that I’ve made. I’ve tinkered around a little in the past, but never made anything of substance.

I never made any raised panels before this project, so I did what most people do…I went to youtube! I actually found some great videos from the folks at Freud, and they really helped a lot. However, when it came time to actually cut the wood, I was nervous. I used walnut for the outside because she likes the look of darker wood. I think walnut looks really nice as well. Even when the wood was raw/unfinished while I was making the chest, I thought it looked good. I couldn’t wait to get the poly on it because I knew the grain would really pop.

I used three of the Rockler torsion hinges, but didn’t use their recommended weight ratings. Per their calculations, I would have needed 205 or so inch pounds of support. I ended up using three 40s and am very happy with it. The lid stays open from about 35 degrees or so onward. When it closes, it doesn’t slam, it closes nice and smooth. It’s not a toy chest, so I’m not worried about little toddlers smashing their fingers on the chest. I let it hit my hands as it closes and it just closes nice and smooth, no pinching at all.

I made the floor out of cedar. I made it tongue and groove and put a profile on the edges so it looks like planks when looking at it from above. I also made the lining out of cedar as well. However, that’s not T&G. I used 1/4” cedar and routed a profile on the edges to mimic the floor.

The finish is Minwax Wipe On Poly, glossy. I started out using their satin, but was disappointed with it. It looked too flat. So I switched to glossy and it came out great. The pics make it look a little more glossy than what it really is. Regardless, I’m very happy with it.

Anyhow, back to the chest. I learned quite a lot during the construction and finishing of this chest. I’d definitely make another one if I had a reason to.

Like I said in my other Project posting, please be kind with your comments. Keep in mind that this is my first attempt at such a large project and am still learning. Thanks in advance for any comments, constructive criticism, suggestions, etc. you fine folks can offer.